St. Lawrence Student Selected for Prestigious Study Abroad Scholarship
Following a competitive application process, Sarath Novas ’23 has been selected for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, an award that will support her off-campus study in London during the Spring 2022 semester.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which selects approximately one in four applicants, is funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and provides undergraduate students with financial support for costs related to program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, international airfare, passport and visa fees.
Sarath will spend 10 immersive weeks in London, one of St. Lawrence’s signature off-campus study programs, taking classes and participating in a work placement experience.
“It is a huge honor to be selected for an award such as this one,” Sarath said. “As an art and art history major, I chose to study in London because it is a beautiful city full of museums, galleries, and exhibits and I felt they could deepen my understanding of Northern Renaissance art.”
As an art and art history major, I chose to study in London because it is a beautiful city full of museums, galleries, and exhibits and I felt they could deepen my understanding of Northern Renaissance art.” – Sarath Novas '23
During the application process, Sarath turned to her mentor, Assistant Director of CSTEP and McNair Jennifer Townsend, for guidance.
“I think the secret to Sarath’s success was her willingness to reflect on her personal background and cultural experiences, her academics at St. Lawrence, and her professional aspirations.” Townsend said. “Knowing how selective the scholarship is, I am thrilled that she has been chosen.”
According to Interim Director of St. Lawrence’s Off-Campus Programs Kim Longfellow, Sarath’s scholarship acceptance showcases one of the many financial support opportunities available to St. Lawrence students who want to study abroad.
“International and intercultural learning has been a part of St. Lawrence's institutional DNA for 100 years,” Longfellow said. “We believe that opportunities for international and intercultural learning should remain accessible to all students. That’s why we provide a myriad of opportunities for international and intercultural learning every step of the way.”
We believe that opportunities for international and intercultural learning should remain accessible to all students. That’s why we provide a myriad of opportunities for international and intercultural learning every step of the way.” – Interim Director of St. Lawrence’s Off-Campus Programs Kim Longfellow
As a Gilman Scholarship recipient, Sarath will focus on building mutual understanding in her London-based community. Upon her return to the U.S., she will complete a service project to increase awareness of study abroad and the Gilman Scholarship.
“I want to incorporate my own cultural experiences to try and teach others about myself as I’m learning from them. I plan to come back and present a project that I am doing as part of my travel grant so stay tuned!”
Sarath is a member of St. Lawrence’s Class of 2023 from New York City, N.Y. She is an art and art history major and a double minor in public health and educational studies. Sarath is involved in several activities on-campus including La Sociedad, Association for Campus Entertainment, and The Underground, a peer-reviewed journal that publishes the work of students whose creative endeavors reflect the issues of representation. Sarath is a member of CSTEP, an Admissions Ambassador, and has worked as a student photographer for St. Lawrence University Communications.
